Lynn University transforms from campus to camp

By:
Gabrielle Michaud, iPulse staff writer

May 19, 2017

Diane DiCerbo wears many hats at Lynn University. Not only is she the director of academic advising and assistant professor of mathematics, she is also the Pine Tree Camps director, with more than 26 years of camp experience.

Set up for camp, which begins immediately following commencement, takes a lot of hard work and cooperation. Pine Tree Camps start June 5.

With the help of student counselors, the children enjoy days filled with activities such as fishing, boating, nature, walks, arts and crafts, sports and cooking on the Lynn campus.

“The counselors I have had work for me are many of my admins,” says DiCerbo. “They have been with me for over 20 years.”The camp offers day programs for children ages 3-14 and an overnight program, Kampus Kampers, for ages 6-13 during which campers stay on campus Monday through Friday and go home on the weekends.

When President Emeritus Donald E. Ross came to help rebuild Lynn, then known as Marymount College, he and his wife, Helen Ross, brought friends and family from Delaware. Because they needed a place for their children to go during the summer while they worked, Mrs. Ross and her friend Sue Marrill decided to start a summer camp. In 1978, Pine Tree Camp opened.

Today, more than 1,800 children attend the nine-week day and overnight camp during the summer months. There are nearly a dozen specialties campers can take part in, including Circus Camp, Creative Arts Camp, Discover Camps, Super Sports, AmazingSpace and Science Camp, CampIdol and JurassiCamp.

“My favorite part of my job is being able to be outside and play,” says DiCerbo. “You are never too old to play.”